We are building a cabover camper from scratch. We live in Central America. So most things we need to fabricate ourselves because they don't sell here. I have enjoyed your videos, thank you for showing the details.
I'm just starting to research roof lifting mechanisms for a pop top van I am going to attempt. I liked your video. Thank you for sharing it, I am glad to have seen this idea.
Rock and roll. Glad to hear it. Let me know if you have any more questions and how it turns out. I’ve got a few other supporting videos on the mechanism you might want to Click around too. Check my website. Tgmorrissey.com for even more info about the build and grab a sticker if you want to Support the channel more.
Thanks for this. I'm planning a foamie slide in, and have been spinning my brain in circles trying to figure out the most efficient and lightest way to do this, while maintaining some strength. This is also great for the foot print inside the trailer, and that it doesn't interfere with the canvas.
Hey John. What’s been the biggest challenge so far. I certainly had a little trial and error but in the end it seems to be working quite well. You having trouble with the bending? Pivot? Bracing? Let me know. Just spent a night in the camper:)
The bending worked, sort of, after a bit of trial and error. Just a little tweak seems to have a bigger consequence than I would like. When closed, the roof pushed to the right a half inch and aft an inch, so that the top and the bottom were not aligned. I've drilled a lot of holes trying to find the pivot point. I got to the point where I had both lifts installed. When I raised the roof, the whole thing wanted to move forward or back. It was like it had a mind of its own. The lowest pivot stands two inches from the wall, so there is a lot of play for it to go forward and back. If you have any suggestions, I'm open.
Do you have the sidelinear currently installed? In the lifted position with no walls mine floated all over that place. With walk it locks perfectly in place. I too have a slight alignment issue when closer. Maybe 0.5 inch to the right. But if I just push the roof slightly it sits into position. Sorry it’s been so frustrating. I’ve been there before.
Interesting to know that the vinyl sides solve the wandering problem. I was going to try a couple of adjustments before I gave up and figured somoething else out. Thank for the response!
Yes, without the sides on I had to use bungees to keep the roof in place. It would move a good two feet north and south and was very sketchy. Keep trying!!
Appreciate the sharing. As someone else said it would have been nice to see the mechanism operating. I also think a diagonal extra bracing would have helped a lot for side winds but I'm sure you got this 😁 Good job!
Hey. Thanks. Totally understand the want to see it operating. Scroll around in the comments and I’ve pointed to a few different videos that have shots of the pop up process Are you doing a pop up project?
Hey. Thanks for letting me know. Let me look through my videos and find you something more helpful. Or maybe I should just finally Make a new video showing how it works.
I'm trying 1/2 in conduit. I'm trying to make my roof as light as possible. I found bending the conduit easy with a bender but I am having a tough time getting the second bend right. You have to subtract 5 while using the bender for the first bend and I used the star for the other end. I had to eyeball it and cut off the excess to get it close as that was the only way I could figure it out. Drilling into the conduit is a bit of a challenge as well. I should have used a punch or something to dent the conduit to make it easier to drill.
Was thinking a 1/8” metal spacer (scrap sheet metal) between the top emt hardware and the roof on each of the three points, would prevent wear on the ceiling fabric
Thats a good idea. The wear never become much of a problems. Just dopped another video where I built another one of these systems in a new camper, be sure to check it out
Great job on adding height. The only thing I would suggest is to round off the corners of the lower pivot points so that once the mattress is in there it doesn't get ripped.
Hi Tim, I just saw a video of the campers that now being built by the original F.W.Camper owners. Their version of the lift panels now are like yours (tubes, not flat plates). But instead of having the lifters at the fore and aft ends, they are left and right (port and starboard for us old Navy guys!). You sit in the middle of the camper facing one side and push the tube up then turn around and do the other side. The lifting tubes are much longer which seems to give more support to the roof and it does not preclude windows in the front end of the sleeping area. Also, the lifting tubes wouldn't be where your tubes currently live when collapsed so you could leave the mattress in place. The only criticism I have seen of their lifters is that they are designed to cam over and lock instead of having a locking pin which can lead to an unpleasant surprise once in a while. Not that I would expect you to do it over, but what are your thoughts on that? If you were to rebuild them again, would you consider doing it that way? I'm building a pop-top camper trailer based on a pickup bed (Land Rover 110 HiCapacity) with a 4' box in front of the bed for a slide out kitchen. Camper will go all the way over the slide out box so the sleeping platform will only extend 2' into the bed. It just seems that lifting it from the middle might be easier than leaning 6' over the bed! More importantly, as I'm going to be living in it on a year long expedition, I don't want to be taking the mattress up and down every day. Kind regards,
Hey Henry, Great questions on all fronts. Yes I have seen the Phenix camper using the side lifter. I am sure they work well, I just did not think of it too much. The only risk I would consider would be your aspect ratio of the roof, if just have support on the middle, I could see excess weight on the north or south really having some leverage on those lifters which could lead to issues. But this is all speculation, proof is in the pudding and it appears to be working. Per the over-center lock-in. I did consider this prior, I just new it would be more work to figure out so did not bother. The simple center lock with cotter pins is working totally fine for me now. But for instance, the panels from FWC do lock in the method you suggest, so I am sure it is better. Again, I just did not want to figure it out. You build some amazing! Share some photos as you go through it, I'd love to see the results. Thanks for watching - Tim
@@tgmorrissey Hi Tim, thanks for the thoughts. Since posting the question I found a pic of a self built camper in Poland that used long side mounted scissor lifts like yours. His was mad out of square tubing but the same idea. One thing he did that was reeeaaallly clever was he put a cord all the way around the middle of the canvas part and over/around the bottom half of of the lift. That means that when he lowered the roof both sides automatically pulled the canvas inside the roof when closing! No fuss, no muss ;-) I'll find your email address on your website and send a pic. I'll also send a link to a youtube video of an Aussie hybrid camper trailer. The clever part in that one is it has a full size bed in it. But when you lift the roof, you also lift the end of the bed that extends into the living space. It is also on small gas struts. When the bed is lifted it creates oodles (tech term, that!) of room inside the living area that would be consumed by the bed. You will see what I mean. It would not work for your camper but it would be great for a 10' trailer with a pop-up roof. Hmmmm, I wonder if I know anybody doing just that... Oh! that's right, it's me!!! .;-)
@@henrycolestage7650 Very cool. Thanks for the info. I know what you are talking about with the outside cord. The pop up van folks will often do this too. Ill go check out that other video now.
Hey Tim great video, just a question for you, I'm also building a pop top camper and I'm wondering what stops the top from moving forward and back in the wind? I understand the side to side is stopped by the supports, but is there a way they stop it from moving forward and back as well? Some kind of lock I didn't see? Thanks in advance!
Hey great question. It’s actually The canvas itself that keeps the roof in line. It essentially acts as a big strap between the roof and the camper. Does that make sense to you?
@@tgmorrissey we'll see. I'm exploring a number of different ideas. I'm building a sort of hybrid tear drop with a pop up roof. A lot will depend on the decisions made about the roof itself and how light i can make it. While the trailer is multipurpose, it's main purpose is taking my tools out of town. I have a full size 6'x12" for job sites(i do trim and real carpentry)i don't like the wind drag i get on the highway.
@@deanaoxo Very good! If you are a carpenter I am sure you will make quick work of a project like this. Have you checked out cricket campers, it is right up your ally (I think). taxaoutdoors.com/ultra-light-trailers/cricket-camper-trailer/
@@tgmorrissey I didn't know they were called that(or forgot A G E thing)but yeah, i lusted for that when i first saw it. Interesting where you go if you type cricket trailers in your browser, thanks for that~!~
lol. I didn’t go down that rabbit hole too far. But glad it helped. Best of luck with your build. Check out my other canvas sewing project videos of you are gonna Make your own.
Attached by sandwich with large metal piece. Yes I sewed the canvas my self. There is a three part series about sewing and attaching the canvas. Click around my channel and you will find it easily. Here is part 1. ruclips.net/video/h7Uk65unuc0/видео.html let me know if you have any more questions. - Tim
Hey this is amazing! I'm building my own pop top now and this is incredibly helpful. what do you think the weight load is on the roof of the camper with this mechanism?? i would like to put a roof rack on top of the camper, to hold extra gear if necessary.
Hi, thanks so much for the comment. Glad you like it. If you like this video I have a ton more about building the camper (including sewing the pop top) so make sure you click around my channel. The weight is a great question. Unfortunately I really do not know. Honestly, I bet the mechanism could hold the ski box, but I think the actually process of picking it up (your strength) would be the limiter. Check out how I made a 'basement' in mind. Way better for extra stroage under the camper. Search for 'how i store my skis' on my channel and youll see it. let me know if you have any more question. /- Tim
@@tgmorrissey yes, still in the design stage. A 6x6 Piengauer platform. Investigating water proof materials for interior cupboards and possibly even the entire camper body.
Just took the front lift panels out of my 2007 Eagle and was wondering how to deal with the spring-loaded hinges. Everything I thought of (and found on the Internet) was a real pain. Now, I'm just going to do this! Thanks!
Awesome! I’ve seen people use ratch straps to deal With the spring loaded system. But the emt continues to work well for. Let me know if you have any specific questions. .
The canvas gives the lifting mechanism its rigidity. Once the canvases is attached. It’s a big strap between the camper and roof and locks everything up nicely. Let me know if you have any more questions. You doing a build too ?
@@tgmorrissey that makes sense and ty for the reply. Yes I'm building a popup from scratch. Been stressing the whole popup portion of the build. I have a wood frame. 2x6 for over the cab. The rest of the frame is 2x3 and 2x2. then used coraplast instead of plywood then wrapped with the poormans fiberglass.
@@tgmorrissey I built it on a 2002 ford ranger (not easily removable) I'm building it to live in and hopefully done enough to leave by the end of April. I'm also moving from Cali up to Oregon cuz of the hicking/ camping and more outdoorsy stuff. It's actually my 2nd rendering of the camper as the first one was to heavy for my rear suspension.
Tim, you had a great video you shared to rebuild my door. That worked out PERFECT. While on a week trip to Florida my rear lift panel started unzipping the middle hinge. I saw this video and was intrigued. However, I have a couple questions. 1. It looks like your lower mounts infringe into the camper space which I'm really, really protective of. Any ideas to get the pivot flush with the wall like original piece? 2. I posted this video on the FWC FB owners page and someone said they tried this method and the pipes pinched the vinyl and they were scared to keep the system so went back to the FWC lift system. Any ideas on this? It would have been great to see the roof going up and down from the inside in this video. That could have answered a lot of questions.
Hi Ben. Glad you found the door build so useful. Bummer to hear about the unzipping panel. You ask two good questions. 1. Yes the lower mount slightly infringes on the camper space. In the rear (above the door) it is not an issue at all. I usually hang my jacket on the little pieces. In the bed area it does influence the ability to keep bedding no the mattress. So if that is a major concern for you it might not be the best route. 2. The pipes do grab canvas when down. I haven't noticed any significant wear from it at all. Someone on wander the west added an extra bend to the accommodate this and it worked well. In hindsight maybe I would have gone with the panel design but when I was making the lifter someone else on the interenet was having trouble making the lifter panels and I did not want to tackle that project. In summary, both your concerns are valid but for me, neither was a dealbreaker, maybe for others these concerns make the emt a no go and the traditional panels are a better route. Send any more questoins you have, glad people are finding my build enjoyable to follow along with.
Hey Pete. Thanks for the question. Throughout a few of the videos you see me putting the rough up and down. Here are two quick links: ruclips.net/video/5P0fQEFRmbU/видео.html ruclips.net/video/YumX0jrEBQg/видео.html What are you most interested in seeing? I'll try to include it in the next video.
Tim Morrissey I can see what looks to be two 'hoops' folding at the centre pivot which moves tio the inside of the camper. I saw in a movie the lower pivot but what do you have at the top to keep it in place? Is the tube for the hoops aluminium?
So all the metal is simply 3/4 inch aluminum EMT conduit (for electrical wire housing) lots of DIYers use emt to build all sort of other stuff. And there are plenty of hangers and brackets to go with it. Here is the exact bracket I use to attached the overhead bar to the camper roof amzn.to/2jkZtZI Does that make sense now? Sorry I didn't get a shot in the video
Great Video Series Sir! i've got a question for you. My Truck Camper(Viking) has the "Heco" Lifting System with the Crank Handle that you Crank and it's horrible. The Handle wants to come out all of the time, the roof wants to drop on your head,and it doesn't lower level(rear closes before the front, the right closes before the left) and causes some closing/clamping issues. Supposedly there are some kind of "Torsion Spring" inside of the Tubing and they may be out of adjustment. The Rail Rack Gear may also be worn out causing some issues too. Do you think I could switch the lifting System out for a Style like yours? The current system hinges/pivot bars are on the left and right sides, not the front and rear like yours and you have to crank from a center rail. Thank you for any Advice. John
ghetto johnny hi. Great question. Sorry to hear about the issues with your camper lifter. You know I really don’t know if my system would work. My big concern would be worthy. My method works well because my camper roof is so light. I do not know your camper nor the weight of the roof. But I would because if it has a cranking system. It might be heavy. You could also look into gas assist stuts. Modern four wheel campers have them and folks love them. Very much help with lifting. Maybe try to add to your current system? Or define use then if you go with my style lifter. Could help with the weight. Sorry I could not be more helpful. Send any more questions you have over. Happy camping.
Hi. Glad you find the video useful. No there is not shock or dampener or absorber or strut. Just the metal pivots. You could add some of those to assist with lifting. Here is another video of the roof in action. ruclips.net/video/3AQa4hHB-zU/видео.html
@@tgmorrissey thank you your answers. I watched pop up action your video already. I wonder just matal pivots can stand roof itself. Is it stand? I am building my camper..I planed one side pop up style, now consider both side pop up style like your camper..(waiting your answer from korea)
@@ssuu7841 Hello to Korea! Sorry I am having a little trouble understanding your question. Yes the roof stands up on just the metal pieces shown in this video. You life the roof up yourself and then lock the metal pieces into place. Hope that makes sense.
Hey thanks for the question. You didn't miss it, I did not cover that in this video. But i did make three other videos all about making the tent portion. I made it myself for just a few hundred bucks. Here is part 1 video. ruclips.net/video/h7Uk65unuc0/видео.html Part 2 has the majority of the sewing and part three is an install and final discussion. Let me know if I can answer any additional questions. - Tim
Hi Tim. I watched your video few Times and I still cant figure out one thing. When you lock middle hinges so it wont fold but top and bottom hinges are moving free so how its not sliding forward or backwards. Is it hold in place by fabric?
@@tgmorrissey cheers Tim. I may have more questions later as I'm building pop top for my campervan. I managed to recycle old pop top from vw t25. I have shorten and painted with raptor. Now was a time to figure out lift hinges and your idea for lifting system suits me best. Time to test my skills in bending emt. Thank you for your videos. They are really helpful. Hope you have great 2021 with loads of adventures!
The distance from the middle pivot point to the top might be helpful, I assume it's half way up the bottom section and the second upper arm is to the desired height, but not sure........
Super common question. The middle Pivot is just that, in the middle of the two others. So depending on how tall your roof is, dictates the center position. I talk about it more in my faqs on my website too if that is helpful. Tgmorrissey.com. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Tim just a heads up, you might think abt using a lapel mic, sound quality is much better, especially when standing far from the camera., using a Wind muff all the time modulates sound very well. Shalom!
Dan Roy thanks for the constructive note! Really appreciate it. I actually did upgrade to a lapel mic more recently. I zoom model that works great. My few most recent videos use that nice and it really helps. I also just got a rode shotgun for my a7s so audio quality should be significantly improved moving forward. Thanks for checking out my videos and do consider subscribing if you arnt already.
Hey Tim, great videos, I've watched a lot of them to help with my early 80s Grandby rebuild. Quick question, for the measurements on where to drill the middle pivot, is that simply just the center of the canvas?
Hey Ryan. By far the most common question. Should be drillled center of the two other pivots. Which won’t be of canvas due to the lowest pivot being sunk below the lip of the camper. Also just helped another person out. Make sure you lowest pivot is level. Someone had the two sides at different overall heights and this could not close the roof. Let me know if you have any other question. And check my follow Up video I put out just a few weeks ago on this topic
glad you like the info. I went with the emt as it just seemed easier to make. I have heard of others running into issues with folding of the big panels, need to get it just right.
Hi Tim, I am I the process of making a camper and have been greatly helped by your videos. I have the bottom made and have also the frame for the roof made, but I have no canvas on the sides yet. I have made two lifters like you have but when ever I lift it at the back and have it in position and then go to lift the front, the whole roof slides toward the front. do I need a stay to keep the roof in position or will the canvas sort this all out whenever I have it in place.
Hi. Glad to hear the videos have been helpful. I know exactly what you are talking about and yes the canvas sorts this out. The canvas is essentially a big strap between the roof and the body and everything lines up quite nicely once you have canvas installed. You do need to get the roof lined up when you instal the canvas. I used a bunch of bungee cords to get the roof aligned during the canvas installed. Let me know if you have any questions.
Hey Toby, thanks for the questions. I actually have a 3 video series all about building the fabric section where I cover the material in detail. Here is part 1, it should lead you to the holder series, and in the description of those videos are all the part links. ruclips.net/video/h7Uk65unuc0/видео.html
But also here is a link to a spreadsheet with all my parts for my camper. docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/2/d/1KaWqHc2AMFDyHSRG8PYySMS27Vr1nNJMynf4IkcWRMw/edit#gid=0
Hey Tim, thanks for sharing your videos of this awesome build. I noticed at 5:05 that there is a white liquid that you swiped as you were installing the screw. Do you mind sharing what it was and why you placed it? I'm assuming it was some type of RV sealant? Thanks!
Hey thanks for the note. Glad you enjoy the video. The product you asked about was just run of the mill silicon sealant from the local Hardware store. Sorry I don’t have a specific part number to share. What project are you working on that your considering sealants for ?
@@tgmorrissey My project is a full rebuild of an 83 Grandby, currently mounted on my Dodge 2500 flatbed. I wasn't planning on a full rebuild but after watching all your videos I got the bug and went all in. I recently gutted the camper and today started on replacing the lifter panel over the door. EMT is bent and now preparing to install. Did you use 3/4" screws to secure the plate to the wall of the camper? I'll try to send you some pics once I get things finished. Thanks again.
Mattgonzales87 securing the lifter to the panel is no tribal feet. I ended up Making a custom solution that was kind of janky. I’m sure you can figure it out though. Let me know if you have additional questions.
Yes dead center of the top and bottom Pivot points. Recognize that the pigeon points are not just the top And bottom of the camper. For example your lower pivot will Likely be about 2 inches below the lip of your camper. Let me know if you have any additional questions.
Jimmy Reilly I’d go with both sides. One would probably be okay 9/10 but the second one is easy enough and helps ensure a weird cross wind doesn’t do something funky.
Great vid! I am just starting the process on my mid 90's grandby rebuild. These seem like a much better solution than lift panels. Couple questions...link to the wtw froum doesn't work? How did you decide on where to drill for the middle pivot point?
Thanks for letting me know. I just updated the link. Here is is again too. www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/11945-84-fleet-09-tacoma-project/ The center pivot is really tricky. It is crucial that it fall directly between the top and bottom pivot. So depending on where you attached you other brackets dictates the height pivot. Luckily the emt stuff is really cheap So I’d just go for it and trail And error your way to a solution. Hope that helps. Let’s me know if you have more questions and be sure to Check our the rest of the build videos.
@@tgmorrissey Many Thanks for the reply! I'm definitely going to give the emt a try! or maybe linear actuators mounted on the jack brackets? Subscribed to your channel, going to binge watch! Muchas Gracias!
Most excellent. That is what I like to hear!! I’m actually Teeing up a new series of videos where I will recap all the work I did Before I started making videos (after it was pretty much a shell) do as you watch the videos make sure you drop some comments with any questions and I’ll be sure to address them in the new series.
Hey Dustin. Great questions. I think you talking about the roof moving in the north-south direction? The roof has no movement east/west as there are no pivots in that direction. As for the north-south, you are right, without the canvas attached, the roof would just float around and pivot north and south all day. However, once I installed the canvas, the canvas actually locks the entire roof in place. The canvas has screw attachments every ~6 inches and did a great job securing everything. I have a whole line of videos about attaching the canvas that might help clarify. Does that answer your question? If not, please let me know more details of what you are curious about and I will get right back to you. Thanks for watching - Tim
Tim Morrissey I am currently building a popup camper and am working on the lift mechanism but was having a problem with the stability, knowing that its common without the walls is good to know
Excellent, I don't know if it is common :) but it is what I experienced as well. Just got back from a night in the camper and had some somewhat significant winds, the camper held up great. No issues.
Great job! Lets you put a window in the front and rear if you wanted. Watched other videos, didn't realize you added height when rebuilding. How much extra height did this net over stock?
Thanks so much. Glad you enjoy the videos. Yes we thought of putting windows on the north and south! Just didn’t want to make any more windows but would have been great! I’m not sure what the stock height is now. On mine it was like 5’10”. Now I have 6’7”. I really like the extra headroom. Feels great. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks so much, I agree. i think I really improved the camper. I love that I can sit upright in bed. That is a really nice feature. FWC certainly made the right call adding all the headroom in the newer models. Have you made any mods to yours yet?
Hi Tim, thanks for a great video. We call galvanized conduit EMT here in Canada. Would you please confirm that you used aluminium conduit ( I know, you said it twice in the video ) which I think is called ACT(?) up here; and is closer to Cdn$30 a piece! Neil
Hey Neil. Thanks so much for the praise. So glad you like the video and find the helpful. I’m not sure what the Canada term would be for it. Her is a link to where I got mine from. I just know the materials as emt. store.mcguckin.com/inet/storefront/store.php?mode=showproductdetail&product=7398 You doing a lifter for a fwc or something else?
Yes. I attached the conduit to the roof with more emt conduit hardware. Simple 3/4 inch pipe strap. Three across the roof of each side. You thinking of doing a similar project?
@@tgmorrissey Yup, the front panel is gone in mine and rear is going out. Seems to be a common theme on the older campers that the front goes first for some reason. Anything you would do different after using your revised set up now ?
@@tylerdurden6937 Nope no major changes. Maybe focus on the mounts for the lifter mechanisms a bit more. I ended up fabbing my own pretty much from scratch and if I had just known that from the start I would have made something more perfect for the job. Also, I would guess the front goes out first because it gets more moisture sneaking in from driving down the road. Send any specific questions you have over. What truck is your camper going to live on?
@@tylerdurden6937 next month or so! LOL I told myself the build would only be a month or two.... Two years later, still need to finish the electrical :) have a great build.
If you found this video helpful and want to support more videos, consider grabbing a sticker of my truck camper. Details here: www.tgmorrissey.com/stickers
Hey Douglas, thanks for the question. No trick, you are correct just put it halfway between the top and bottom pivots and you should be all set. The only caveat is that the lower pivot is sunken into the camper base just a bit, with enough room to accommodate the top lifter tube. So as long as you keep it halfway between the pivots you are perfect, just recognize that is not just halfway between the roof and base of the camper. What projects are you working on yourself?
I have a 1997 FWC Scout. Been debating selling it or fixing it up. It's still in OK shape but the riser gave out long ago. I was ready to give up but after seeing your video I'm going to try this DYI project. I Do get that the bottom bracket is a bit offset. The problem is getting that lined up so that when the top comes down it sits where it is suppose to. Thanks for the video!
Glad I’ve inspired you!! Fix it up. You won’t regret it. Sounds like you understand the lifting mechanism well. I’ve got No tricks for lining up the pieces in the bottom. It’s honestly not perfect on mine but close enough. I have to pull at it times in the down position to tweak it in place. Feel free to ask more questions. Good luck.
So this isn't a lifting system? Just to hold the top once you lift with that piece of wood? To me a "lifting system" would do the job of lifting the top into place! What you have is a folding brace!
Yes I did. There is a whole three part series about it. Click around my channel to find the series. Also check Out tgmorrissey.com/camper to Learn more. Thanks for checking out my videos.
Yes I did. There is a whole three part series about it. Click around my channel to find the series. Also check Out tgmorrissey.com/camper to Learn more. Thanks for checking out my videos.
I finally did it thanks to you! The height on my Tiger Provan was already 6’2” but the bed area was pretty cramped (maybe 24”), not enough room to sit up. I redid the rlift like yours and now i have 7’ standing room and about 34” on the bed so i can sit up. Thanks for the great idea! Here’s a pic if u want to check it out drive.google.com/file/d/1IxdJ0Ev43DpFychGfLsx0KlYfFFc7AV5/view?usp=drivesdk
So awesome! Rad fire on the camper. Glad the video encouraged you to get after it. You gonna do new canvas now too? I’ve got videos on that too. Any hiccups or tips or tricks you want to share that you learned along the way?
@@tgmorrissey Yes the next step is the canvas but I am definitely not making it myself, I saw your videos and it's too much work for the amount of free time I have lol. As far as tips and things that I learned, using a step drill bit works A LOT better than a regular drill bit for drilling the holes into the conduit. Using gas struts (i'm using Suspa brand) really makes the lifting of the top a breeze, don't have to worry about holding the top with one hand trying to insert the locking pins and it adds a lot of stability front to back. Hiccups? Quite a few but mainly because I'd never use a pipe bender before lol
@@tgmorrissey I got these off ebay www.ebay.com/itm/SUSPA-C16-15952-Gas-Springs-Set-of-2/352356290569 though you might need longer ones if your total pop-top gain is more than 30" dues to the minimum and maximum extension lengths (or a clever way of mounting them). If I recall, you mentioned that yours goes up 33", I originally made mine go up 32" but had to drop it down to 30" due to the maximum extension of the struts.
Thanks for sharing for the benefit of myself and all the other viewers. Best of luck with the rest of the build and be sure to reach out again with any further questions.
@Orching you never know what classes you’ll end up using in the end. I raged against MatLab in under grad and end up using it nearly ever day in grad school and absolutely loved it. You’ll find a use for the mat science class some day :)
HAHA, I approve of that comment! Excellent observation. Don't worry I got a subscription to a music license site so the newer videos are a step in the right direction. Though I do still have the musical taste of a 20 year old frat bro ;)
@@tgmorrissey There are 2 fasteners called a cotter pin, one is one piece, bent in a "u" with one leg straight and the other is a flattened "w" that holds itself in place (spring action). The Clevis is a straight pin (rod) with a swivel that holds a semicirculer (wire usually) piece that swings around and secures the pin from the outside. I didn't look but I'm sure Amazon, Tractor Supply or any tool seller website will have a picture. They're pretty much interchangeable but the Clevis is probably more secure, the cotter is easy to insert one-handed. The other fastener called a cotter pin is also one piece, bet into a flat "u" that is inserted through the hole and the legs are bent to hold it in place, sort of semi-permanent. It's also called a split pin. (I clearly spent too much time with farmers, welders and tool guys growing up!) A buddy here at my shop just reminded me that some people call the Clevis a "safety catch" or trailer hitch pin and you can hold a Clevis in place with a cotter. 🤔 (now I know I still spend too much time with tool guys, or possibly guys that are tools)
Interested in the fabric/canvas/tent material? Go check out my three-part video series about the sewing project here: ruclips.net/video/h7Uk65unuc0/видео.html
Hey Tim. Just wanted to thank you for the inspiration and your contribute to your FCW rebuild. I will post on wonder the west as well.. Check camper build on TW www.tacomaworld.com/threads/four-wheel-camper-rebuild.564702/#post-18537204
Johnny! Your build looks awesome! Looks like you executed perfectly! The sewing looks really clean and well done! Excellent job. So glad I inspired you to go after the project. Hope to see some photos of you out in it! Let me know if you have any other questions at all.
Was about to comment this, will checkout the 2nd vid. Trying to turn my hard cover tonneau cover into a pop in my truck bed.. looking for ways to conceal and then pop (obviously). So this is cool to see someone doing something
It's interesting, but I had to quit watching halfway through as you shot this video in the shade and in very poor lighting I could not see very much at all.
Want to see how the camper roof actually pops up, check out this follow up video here: ruclips.net/video/3AQa4hHB-zU/видео.html
We are building a cabover camper from scratch.
We live in Central America. So most things we need to fabricate ourselves because they don't sell here.
I have enjoyed your videos, thank you for showing the details.
Sounds great! how is the project coming?
Thank you so much for this! I’m building a trailer pop up camper, and this just changed the WHOLE game. Bless you for sharing your ingenuity
so glad to hear it. good luck with the project.
I'm just starting to research roof lifting mechanisms for a pop top van I am going to attempt. I liked your video. Thank you for sharing it, I am glad to have seen this idea.
Rock and roll. Glad to hear it. Let me know if you have any more questions and how it turns out. I’ve got a few other supporting videos on the mechanism you might want to
Click around too. Check my website. Tgmorrissey.com for even more info about the build and grab a sticker if you want to
Support the channel more.
Thanks!
Hey man thanks for all the info just seeing how the frame is set up helps me figure out my direction with my grandby
So glad to Hear it! Good luck with the rebuild. Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks Tim. I am going to put this on my 5x8 trailer.
Awesome. Happy camping!!
This is exactly what I’ve been looking for thank you so much!!!!!
Awesome. So glad to hear. Let me know if you have any questions. And make sure you check out part 2.
Thanks for this. I'm planning a foamie slide in, and have been spinning my brain in circles trying to figure out the most efficient and lightest way to do this, while maintaining some strength. This is also great for the foot print inside the trailer, and that it doesn't interfere with the canvas.
awesome. glad you enjoyed it. check out my site for even more info. tgmorrissey.com
Thanks so much totally needed this. Perfect idea!!!
good. how’s the project coming ? did it work for yoh
Great video, thanks for sharing!
Glad you liked it. Thanks for the thanks.
I haven't encountered wind gusts, but I will be working on this over the winter to replace my 2x2s.
Great. It handle wind just fine fyi.
What camper?
@@tgmorrissey It's basically a roof tent that fits in the bed and middle is open to stand in. Diy
I have been working on a pop-up camper build. Building the pop-up mechanism with conduit has been no easy task. I'm trying it.Limited success so far.
Hey John. What’s been the biggest challenge so far. I certainly had a little trial and error but in the end it seems to be working quite well. You having trouble with the bending? Pivot? Bracing? Let me know. Just spent a night in the camper:)
The bending worked, sort of, after a bit of trial and error. Just a little tweak seems to have a bigger consequence than I would like. When closed, the roof pushed to the right a half inch and aft an inch, so that the top and the bottom were not aligned. I've drilled a lot of holes trying to find the pivot point. I got to the point where I had both lifts installed. When I raised the roof, the whole thing wanted to move forward or back. It was like it had a mind of its own. The lowest pivot stands two inches from the wall, so there is a lot of play for it to go forward and back. If you have any suggestions, I'm open.
Do you have the sidelinear currently installed? In the lifted position with no walls mine floated all over that place. With walk it locks perfectly in place. I too have a slight alignment issue when closer. Maybe 0.5 inch to the right. But if I just push the roof slightly it sits into position. Sorry it’s been so frustrating. I’ve been there before.
Interesting to know that the vinyl sides solve the wandering problem. I was going to try a couple of adjustments before I gave up and figured somoething else out. Thank for the response!
Yes, without the sides on I had to use bungees to keep the roof in place. It would move a good two feet north and south and was very sketchy. Keep trying!!
Appreciate the sharing. As someone else said it would have been nice to see the mechanism operating.
I also think a diagonal extra bracing would have helped a lot for side winds but I'm sure you got this 😁
Good job!
Hey. Thanks. Totally understand the want to see it operating. Scroll around in the comments and I’ve pointed to a few different videos that have shots of the pop up process
Are you doing a pop up project?
@@tgmorrissey i had a look through but i can see only the pop top from outside so it doesn't show the mechanisms. Any pointer?
Hey. Thanks for letting me know. Let me look through my videos and find you something more helpful. Or maybe I should just finally
Make a new video showing how it works.
OBRY POMYSŁ... BARDZO DUŻO MIEJSCA NA WYPOSAŻENIE W MEBELKI JEST W ŚRODKU... KAMPER SUPER😄😄😀😀
Thanks so much! Happy camping!
This is great. I would have to add a gas strut to assist me in some way. Thanks for the additional info .
Thanks. Yeah lots of folks have added gas struts too. I’m managing with out so far. Do you have a project you plan on using this for
@@tgmorrissey I'm thinking of doing this to my minivan. And using the metal roof when I cut it.
Lani C that will be awesome! Best of luck!
I'm trying 1/2 in conduit. I'm trying to make my roof as light as possible. I found bending the conduit easy with a bender but I am having a tough time getting the second bend right.
You have to subtract 5 while using the bender for the first bend and I used the star for the other end. I had to eyeball it and cut off the excess to get it close as that was the only way I could figure it out.
Drilling into the conduit is a bit of a challenge as well. I should have used a punch or something to dent the conduit to make it easier to drill.
Thanks for sharing your insight for the rest of the community I Learn from! Good
Luck with your project.
Was thinking a 1/8” metal spacer (scrap sheet metal) between the top emt hardware and the roof on each of the three points, would prevent wear on the ceiling fabric
Thats a good idea. The wear never become much of a problems. Just dopped another video where I built another one of these systems in a new camper, be sure to check it out
Hi! Great video!! Do you still have the link to all the materials you used? The link in description isn't working for me. Thanks in advance :)
on my website the link should still work.
Great video Tim. You are very informative and I think I will have a go at making your lifters for my upcoming camper. Cheers. Jim
Thanks Jame. Glad you enjoyed the video. What are your plans for your upcoming camper?
Great job on adding height. The only thing I would suggest is to round off the corners of the lower pivot points so that once the mattress is in there it doesn't get ripped.
Great suggestion. Has not been a problem yet so I think I dodged that specific problem. Thanks for checking out my videos.
nice. I wish you showed how the levers move when raised and lowered.
A common request. I’ll make a new video soon that highlights the motion. Make sure you subscribe to see when the videos out.
@@tgmorrissey Cool
Hi Tim, I just saw a video of the campers that now being built by the original F.W.Camper owners. Their version of the lift panels now are like yours (tubes, not flat plates). But instead of having the lifters at the fore and aft ends, they are left and right (port and starboard for us old Navy guys!). You sit in the middle of the camper facing one side and push the tube up then turn around and do the other side. The lifting tubes are much longer which seems to give more support to the roof and it does not preclude windows in the front end of the sleeping area. Also, the lifting tubes wouldn't be where your tubes currently live when collapsed so you could leave the mattress in place. The only criticism I have seen of their lifters is that they are designed to cam over and lock instead of having a locking pin which can lead to an unpleasant surprise once in a while. Not that I would expect you to do it over, but what are your thoughts on that? If you were to rebuild them again, would you consider doing it that way? I'm building a pop-top camper trailer based on a pickup bed (Land Rover 110 HiCapacity) with a 4' box in front of the bed for a slide out kitchen. Camper will go all the way over the slide out box so the sleeping platform will only extend 2' into the bed. It just seems that lifting it from the middle might be easier than leaning 6' over the bed! More importantly, as I'm going to be living in it on a year long expedition, I don't want to be taking the mattress up and down every day. Kind regards,
Hey Henry, Great questions on all fronts. Yes I have seen the Phenix camper using the side lifter. I am sure they work well, I just did not think of it too much. The only risk I would consider would be your aspect ratio of the roof, if just have support on the middle, I could see excess weight on the north or south really having some leverage on those lifters which could lead to issues. But this is all speculation, proof is in the pudding and it appears to be working.
Per the over-center lock-in. I did consider this prior, I just new it would be more work to figure out so did not bother. The simple center lock with cotter pins is working totally fine for me now. But for instance, the panels from FWC do lock in the method you suggest, so I am sure it is better. Again, I just did not want to figure it out.
You build some amazing! Share some photos as you go through it, I'd love to see the results.
Thanks for watching - Tim
@@tgmorrissey Hi Tim, thanks for the thoughts. Since posting the question I found a pic of a self built camper in Poland that used long side mounted scissor lifts like yours. His was mad out of square tubing but the same idea. One thing he did that was reeeaaallly clever was he put a cord all the way around the middle of the canvas part and over/around the bottom half of of the lift. That means that when he lowered the roof both sides automatically pulled the canvas inside the roof when closing! No fuss, no muss ;-) I'll find your email address on your website and send a pic. I'll also send a link to a youtube video of an Aussie hybrid camper trailer. The clever part in that one is it has a full size bed in it. But when you lift the roof, you also lift the end of the bed that extends into the living space. It is also on small gas struts. When the bed is lifted it creates oodles (tech term, that!) of room inside the living area that would be consumed by the bed. You will see what I mean. It would not work for your camper but it would be great for a 10' trailer with a pop-up roof. Hmmmm, I wonder if I know anybody doing just that... Oh! that's right, it's me!!! .;-)
@@henrycolestage7650 Very cool. Thanks for the info. I know what you are talking about with the outside cord. The pop up van folks will often do this too. Ill go check out that other video now.
Hey Tim great video, just a question for you, I'm also building a pop top camper and I'm wondering what stops the top from moving forward and back in the wind? I understand the side to side is stopped by the supports, but is there a way they stop it from moving forward and back as well? Some kind of lock I didn't see? Thanks in advance!
Hey great question. It’s actually
The canvas itself that keeps the roof in line. It essentially acts as a big strap between the roof and the camper. Does that make sense to you?
@@tgmorrissey gotcha, thanks for the info!
Hi Tim, I realized how the ceiling was rising. but how stable is it? I want to do it too and I am looking for ideas.
Very stable. I’ve been in high winds with no problem. The canvas provides the stability. It’s like a massive toe strap between the roof and camper.
Brilliant. Thank you.
Youre welcome. I got the idea from some other before me but glad I could share it with you know. Do you have a project you are going to us this on?
@@tgmorrissey we'll see. I'm exploring a number of different ideas. I'm building a sort of hybrid tear drop with a pop up roof. A lot will depend on the decisions made about the roof itself and how light i can make it. While the trailer is multipurpose, it's main purpose is taking my tools out of town. I have a full size 6'x12" for job sites(i do trim and real carpentry)i don't like the wind drag i get on the highway.
@@deanaoxo Very good! If you are a carpenter I am sure you will make quick work of a project like this. Have you checked out cricket campers, it is right up your ally (I think). taxaoutdoors.com/ultra-light-trailers/cricket-camper-trailer/
@@tgmorrissey I didn't know they were called that(or forgot A G E thing)but yeah, i lusted for that when i first saw it. Interesting where you go if you type cricket trailers in your browser, thanks for that~!~
lol. I didn’t go down that rabbit hole too far. But glad it helped. Best of luck with your build. Check out my other canvas sewing project videos of you are gonna Make your own.
How did you attach the canvas to the aluminum? Did you make the canvas also, or did you buy it?
Attached by sandwich with large metal piece. Yes I sewed the canvas my self. There is a three part series about sewing and attaching the canvas. Click around my channel and you will find it easily. Here is part 1. ruclips.net/video/h7Uk65unuc0/видео.html
let me know if you have any more questions. - Tim
Who did you use to make the new tent?
Vinyl costed polyester. I’ve got a three part video series all About it. Check it out on my channel
Hey this is amazing! I'm building my own pop top now and this is incredibly helpful. what do you think the weight load is on the roof of the camper with this mechanism?? i would like to put a roof rack on top of the camper, to hold extra gear if necessary.
Hi, thanks so much for the comment. Glad you like it. If you like this video I have a ton more about building the camper (including sewing the pop top) so make sure you click around my channel.
The weight is a great question. Unfortunately I really do not know. Honestly, I bet the mechanism could hold the ski box, but I think the actually process of picking it up (your strength) would be the limiter. Check out how I made a 'basement' in mind. Way better for extra stroage under the camper. Search for 'how i store my skis' on my channel and youll see it.
let me know if you have any more question. /- Tim
Nice, appreciate your sharing.
You’re very welcome. Thanks for checking out my videos. You have a camper project you’re working on?
@@tgmorrissey yes, still in the design stage. A 6x6 Piengauer platform. Investigating water proof materials for interior cupboards and possibly even the entire camper body.
TheLionOfAfrica sounds awesome. Best of luck on the build. Be sure to check our the rest of my camper videos to see more build ideas.
Just took the front lift panels out of my 2007 Eagle and was wondering how to deal with the spring-loaded hinges. Everything I thought of (and found on the Internet) was a real pain.
Now, I'm just going to do this!
Thanks!
Awesome! I’ve seen people use ratch straps to deal
With the spring loaded system. But the emt continues to work well for. Let me know if you have any specific questions. .
I have a question. the lift keeps the top from from moving side to side but what keeps the top from moving front to back when popped up?
The canvas gives the lifting mechanism its rigidity. Once the canvases is attached. It’s a big strap between the camper and roof and locks everything up nicely. Let me know if you have any more questions. You doing a build too ?
@@tgmorrissey that makes sense and ty for the reply. Yes I'm building a popup from scratch. Been stressing the whole popup portion of the build. I have a wood frame. 2x6 for over the cab. The rest of the frame is 2x3 and 2x2. then used coraplast instead of plywood then wrapped with the poormans fiberglass.
Sounds like a great build! What type of truck is it going on and do you have a first trip planned out already? When is the maiden voyage?
@@tgmorrissey I built it on a 2002 ford ranger (not easily removable) I'm building it to live in and hopefully done enough to leave by the end of April. I'm also moving from Cali up to Oregon cuz of the hicking/ camping and more outdoorsy stuff. It's actually my 2nd rendering of the camper as the first one was to heavy for my rear suspension.
@@BIOREIGN Ford rangeerrreeeer!!!!! Awesome. Ranger was my first truck. Enjoy.
Tim, you had a great video you shared to rebuild my door. That worked out PERFECT. While on a week trip to Florida my rear lift panel started unzipping the middle hinge. I saw this video and was intrigued. However, I have a couple questions.
1. It looks like your lower mounts infringe into the camper space which I'm really, really protective of. Any ideas to get the pivot flush with the wall like original piece?
2. I posted this video on the FWC FB owners page and someone said they tried this method and the pipes pinched the vinyl and they were scared to keep the system so went back to the FWC lift system. Any ideas on this? It would have been great to see the roof going up and down from the inside in this video. That could have answered a lot of questions.
Hi Ben. Glad you found the door build so useful. Bummer to hear about the unzipping panel. You ask two good questions.
1. Yes the lower mount slightly infringes on the camper space. In the rear (above the door) it is not an issue at all. I usually hang my jacket on the little pieces. In the bed area it does influence the ability to keep bedding no the mattress. So if that is a major concern for you it might not be the best route.
2. The pipes do grab canvas when down. I haven't noticed any significant wear from it at all. Someone on wander the west added an extra bend to the accommodate this and it worked well. In hindsight maybe I would have gone with the panel design but when I was making the lifter someone else on the interenet was having trouble making the lifter panels and I did not want to tackle that project.
In summary, both your concerns are valid but for me, neither was a dealbreaker, maybe for others these concerns make the emt a no go and the traditional panels are a better route.
Send any more questoins you have, glad people are finding my build enjoyable to follow along with.
have you got a video of the inside as you setup?
Hey Pete. Thanks for the question. Throughout a few of the videos you see me putting the rough up and down. Here are two quick links:
ruclips.net/video/5P0fQEFRmbU/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/YumX0jrEBQg/видео.html
What are you most interested in seeing? I'll try to include it in the next video.
Tim Morrissey I can see what looks to be two 'hoops' folding at the centre pivot which moves tio the inside of the camper. I saw in a movie the lower pivot but what do you have at the top to keep it in place? Is the tube for the hoops aluminium?
So all the metal is simply 3/4 inch aluminum EMT conduit (for electrical wire housing) lots of DIYers use emt to build all sort of other stuff. And there are plenty of hangers and brackets to go with it. Here is the exact bracket I use to attached the overhead bar to the camper roof
amzn.to/2jkZtZI
Does that make sense now? Sorry I didn't get a shot in the video
Great Video Series Sir!
i've got a question for you.
My Truck Camper(Viking) has the "Heco" Lifting System with the Crank Handle that you Crank and it's horrible.
The Handle wants to come out all of the time, the roof wants to drop on your head,and it doesn't lower level(rear closes before the front, the right closes before the left) and causes some closing/clamping issues. Supposedly there are some kind of "Torsion Spring" inside of the Tubing and they may be out of adjustment. The Rail Rack Gear may also be worn out causing some issues too.
Do you think I could switch the lifting System out for a Style like yours?
The current system hinges/pivot bars are on the left and right sides, not the front and rear like yours and you have to crank from a center rail.
Thank you for any Advice.
John
ghetto johnny hi. Great question. Sorry to hear about the issues with your camper lifter. You know I really don’t know if my system would work. My big concern would be worthy. My method works well because my camper roof is so light. I do not know your camper nor the weight of the roof. But I would because if it has a cranking system. It might be heavy.
You could also look into gas assist stuts. Modern four wheel campers have them and folks love them. Very much help with lifting. Maybe try to add to your current system? Or define use then if you go with my style lifter. Could help with the weight.
Sorry I could not be more helpful. Send any more questions you have over. Happy camping.
I watched your video 3 time. Very good for me. Is this sytem no damper?( absorber)
~~l am not good at english
Hi. Glad you find the video useful. No there is not shock or dampener or absorber or strut. Just the metal pivots. You could add some of those to assist with lifting. Here is another video of the roof in action. ruclips.net/video/3AQa4hHB-zU/видео.html
@@tgmorrissey thank you your answers. I watched pop up action your video already. I wonder just matal pivots can stand roof itself. Is it stand? I am building my camper..I planed one side pop up style, now consider both side pop up style like your camper..(waiting your answer from korea)
@@ssuu7841 Hello to Korea! Sorry I am having a little trouble understanding your question. Yes the roof stands up on just the metal pieces shown in this video. You life the roof up yourself and then lock the metal pieces into place. Hope that makes sense.
Sorry if I missed it, but where did you have the tent portion redone from? How much did that cost? Thank you.
Hey thanks for the question. You didn't miss it, I did not cover that in this video. But i did make three other videos all about making the tent portion. I made it myself for just a few hundred bucks. Here is part 1 video.
ruclips.net/video/h7Uk65unuc0/видео.html
Part 2 has the majority of the sewing and part three is an install and final discussion. Let me know if I can answer any additional questions. - Tim
Hi Tim. I watched your video few Times and I still cant figure out one thing. When you lock middle hinges so it wont fold but top and bottom hinges are moving free so how its not sliding forward or backwards. Is it hold in place by fabric?
Yes. The fabric acts as a big tensioning strap and holds everything in place. It works very well. Let me know if you have any more questions.
@@tgmorrissey cheers Tim. I may have more questions later as I'm building pop top for my campervan. I managed to recycle old pop top from vw t25. I have shorten and painted with raptor. Now was a time to figure out lift hinges and your idea for lifting system suits me best. Time to test my skills in bending emt. Thank you for your videos. They are really helpful. Hope you have great 2021 with loads of adventures!
Awesome. Best of
Luck with the build! Happy to help how I can. Best!
The distance from the middle pivot point to the top might be helpful, I assume it's half way up the bottom section and the second upper arm is to the desired height, but not sure........
Super common question. The middle
Pivot is just that, in the middle of the two others. So depending on how tall your roof is, dictates the center position. I talk about it more in my faqs on my website too if that is helpful. Tgmorrissey.com. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Tim just a heads up, you might think abt using a lapel mic, sound quality is much better, especially when standing far from the camera., using a Wind muff all the time modulates sound very well. Shalom!
Dan Roy thanks for the constructive note! Really appreciate it. I actually did upgrade to a lapel mic more recently. I zoom model that works great. My few most recent videos use that nice and it really helps. I also just got a rode shotgun for my a7s so audio quality should be significantly improved moving forward. Thanks for checking out my videos and do consider subscribing if you arnt already.
Hey Tim, great videos, I've watched a lot of them to help with my early 80s Grandby rebuild. Quick question, for the measurements on where to drill the middle pivot, is that simply just the center of the canvas?
Hey Ryan. By far the most common question. Should be drillled center of the two other pivots. Which won’t be of canvas due to the lowest pivot being sunk below the lip of the camper.
Also just helped another person out. Make sure you lowest pivot is level. Someone had the two sides at different overall heights and this could not close the roof.
Let me know if you have any other question. And check my follow Up video I put out just a few weeks ago on this topic
Very informative and nice! :D
Why did you switch from your older wood system to this one instead, seems like the wooden one should be tougher? :)
glad you like the info. I went with the emt as it just seemed easier to make. I have heard of others running into issues with folding of the big panels, need to get it just right.
Hi Tim, I am I the process of making a camper and have been greatly helped by your videos. I have the bottom made and have also the frame for the roof made, but I have no canvas on the sides yet. I have made two lifters like you have but when ever I lift it at the back and have it in position and then go to lift the front, the whole roof slides toward the front. do I need a stay to keep the roof in position or will the canvas sort this all out whenever I have it in place.
Hi. Glad to hear the videos have been helpful. I know exactly what you are talking about and yes the canvas sorts this out. The canvas is essentially a big strap between the roof and the body and everything lines up quite nicely once you have canvas installed. You do need to get the roof lined up when you instal the canvas. I used a bunch of bungee cords to get the roof aligned during the canvas installed. Let me know if you have any questions.
@@tgmorrissey Thanks for the reply Tim. I need to get some material.
Darsey no 1 go get it!!!
I want to do this to my 2001 subaru outback. I would like to put an electronic lift though. Do you know anything about electronic kits?
A pop top on a Subaru will be wild. I’d love to see the result. Do you plan on being able to stand up in it?
Where did you get the tent fabric from? Im thinkin of building my own pop-up for camping with 3 kids. Thanks
Hey Toby, thanks for the questions. I actually have a 3 video series all about building the fabric section where I cover the material in detail. Here is part 1, it should lead you to the holder series, and in the description of those videos are all the part links. ruclips.net/video/h7Uk65unuc0/видео.html
But also here is a link to a spreadsheet with all my parts for my camper. docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/2/d/1KaWqHc2AMFDyHSRG8PYySMS27Vr1nNJMynf4IkcWRMw/edit#gid=0
Direct link to fabric: www.mytarp.com/collections/vinyl-fabrics
Hey Tim, thanks for sharing your videos of this awesome build. I noticed at 5:05 that there is a white liquid that you swiped as you were installing the screw. Do you mind sharing what it was and why you placed it? I'm assuming it was some type of RV sealant? Thanks!
Hey thanks for the note. Glad you enjoy the video. The product you asked about was just run of the mill silicon sealant from the local Hardware store. Sorry I don’t have a specific part number to share. What project are you working on that your considering sealants for ?
@@tgmorrissey My project is a full rebuild of an 83 Grandby, currently mounted on my Dodge 2500 flatbed. I wasn't planning on a full rebuild but after watching all your videos I got the bug and went all in. I recently gutted the camper and today started on replacing the lifter panel over the door. EMT is bent and now preparing to install. Did you use 3/4" screws to secure the plate to the wall of the camper? I'll try to send you some pics once I get things finished. Thanks again.
Mattgonzales87 securing the lifter to the panel is no tribal feet. I ended up
Making a custom solution that was kind of janky. I’m sure you can figure it out though. Let me know if you have additional questions.
How do you determine where the middle pivot screw hole needs to be? Is it just dead center between the center of the top and bottom pivots points?
Yes dead center of the top and bottom
Pivot points. Recognize that the pigeon points are not just the top
And bottom of the camper. For example your lower pivot will
Likely be about 2 inches below the lip of your camper. Let me know if you have any additional questions.
are there supports for the roof in each corner to prevent any sideways movement when lifting?
No. The canvas materials actually provides a ton of support for keeping everything aligned. That canvas is essentially a big strap. It works great.
Hey Tim, do you put the cotter pin to lock it in place on both sides, or is it stiff enough with only one?
Jimmy Reilly I’d go with both sides. One would probably be okay 9/10 but the second one is easy enough and helps ensure a weird cross wind doesn’t do something funky.
Great vid! I am just starting the process on my mid 90's grandby rebuild. These seem like a much better solution than lift panels. Couple questions...link to the wtw froum doesn't work? How did you decide on where to drill for the middle pivot point?
Thanks for letting me know. I just updated the link. Here is is again too. www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/11945-84-fleet-09-tacoma-project/
The center pivot is really tricky. It is crucial that it fall directly between the top and bottom pivot. So depending on where you attached you other brackets dictates the height pivot. Luckily the emt stuff is really cheap
So I’d just go for it and trail
And error your way to a solution. Hope that helps. Let’s me know if you have more questions and be sure to
Check our the rest of the build videos.
@@tgmorrissey Many Thanks for the reply! I'm definitely going to give the emt a try! or maybe linear actuators mounted on the jack brackets? Subscribed to your channel, going to binge watch! Muchas Gracias!
Most excellent. That is what I like to hear!! I’m actually
Teeing up a new series of videos where I will recap all the work I did Before I started making videos (after it was pretty much a shell) do as you watch the videos make sure you drop some comments with any questions and I’ll be sure to address them in the new series.
Hello, I was wondering what makes it secure? And what makes it not just lean over and fall down? Thank you!
Hey Dustin. Great questions. I think you talking about the roof moving in the north-south direction? The roof has no movement east/west as there are no pivots in that direction. As for the north-south, you are right, without the canvas attached, the roof would just float around and pivot north and south all day. However, once I installed the canvas, the canvas actually locks the entire roof in place. The canvas has screw attachments every ~6 inches and did a great job securing everything. I have a whole line of videos about attaching the canvas that might help clarify. Does that answer your question? If not, please let me know more details of what you are curious about and I will get right back to you. Thanks for watching - Tim
Tim Morrissey Yessss that was exactly what I was trying to figure out! Thanks man! I appreciate the videos! They really help out!
Awesome, so glad they helped. What type of project are you working on?
Tim Morrissey I am currently building a popup camper and am working on the lift mechanism but was having a problem with the stability, knowing that its common without the walls is good to know
Excellent, I don't know if it is common :) but it is what I experienced as well. Just got back from a night in the camper and had some somewhat significant winds, the camper held up great. No issues.
Great job! Lets you put a window in the front and rear if you wanted. Watched other videos, didn't realize you added height when rebuilding. How much extra height did this net over stock?
Thanks so much. Glad you enjoy the videos. Yes we thought of putting windows on the north and south! Just didn’t want to make any more windows but would have been great! I’m not sure what the stock height is now. On mine it was like 5’10”. Now I have 6’7”. I really like the extra headroom. Feels great. Let me know if you have any other questions.
My 2018 Hawk is 6'-6". I'm 6-4" and had room. I couldn't have one 5'-10". You really improved that camper!
Thanks so much, I agree. i think I really improved the camper. I love that I can sit upright in bed. That is a really nice feature. FWC certainly made the right call adding all the headroom in the newer models. Have you made any mods to yours yet?
Pick up Camper 3-24
The count down is on!! Enjoy.
Hi Tim, thanks for a great video. We call galvanized conduit EMT here in Canada. Would you please confirm that you used aluminium conduit ( I know, you said it twice in the video ) which I think is called ACT(?) up here; and is closer to Cdn$30 a piece! Neil
Hey Neil. Thanks so much for the praise. So glad you like the video and find the helpful. I’m not sure what the Canada term would be for it. Her is a link to where I got mine from. I just know the materials as emt. store.mcguckin.com/inet/storefront/store.php?mode=showproductdetail&product=7398
You doing a lifter for a fwc or something else?
Awesome job, did you just screw directly through the top in to the roof ?
Yes. I attached the conduit to the roof with more emt conduit hardware. Simple 3/4 inch pipe strap. Three across the roof of each side. You thinking of doing a similar project?
@@tgmorrissey Yup, the front panel is gone in mine and rear is going out. Seems to be a common theme on the older campers that the front goes first for some reason. Anything you would do different after using your revised set up now ?
@@tylerdurden6937 Nope no major changes. Maybe focus on the mounts for the lifter mechanisms a bit more. I ended up fabbing my own pretty much from scratch and if I had just known that from the start I would have made something more perfect for the job.
Also, I would guess the front goes out first because it gets more moisture sneaking in from driving down the road.
Send any specific questions you have over.
What truck is your camper going to live on?
@@tgmorrissey Thanks will do, I will hopefully be building one in the next month or so. Its going on my 1999 4x4 tacoma, camper is a Ranger II .
@@tylerdurden6937 next month or so! LOL I told myself the build would only be a month or two....
Two years later, still need to finish the electrical :) have a great build.
thank-you
Thank you! Let me know if there are any other tc videos you’d like to see
I was hoping to see a demonstration of it in action but maybe I missed that part.
HI Check out this video to see the lifting system in action.
11:10 mark. ruclips.net/video/pwZfnEYB5ug/видео.html
THanks for checking out my videos!
@@tgmorrissey I think he means showing the operation of the lifting mechanism you fabricated. All we see is the roof going up from the outside.
Thanks for the extra info. I’ll put a new video on the top of the list to better show this.
good video - lol ...material scientist.....gotta drop that in somewhere.
Just so people know where I’m starting from. No proper engineering over here.
If you found this video helpful and want to support more videos, consider grabbing a sticker of my truck camper. Details here: www.tgmorrissey.com/stickers
You haven't actually shown how it works with all components in place
11:10 mark. ruclips.net/video/pwZfnEYB5ug/видео.html
what's the trick to finding the measurement for the middle pivot point? Seems to me it needs to be half way in between the top and bottom pivot point?
Hey Douglas, thanks for the question. No trick, you are correct just put it halfway between the top and bottom pivots and you should be all set. The only caveat is that the lower pivot is sunken into the camper base just a bit, with enough room to accommodate the top lifter tube. So as long as you keep it halfway between the pivots you are perfect, just recognize that is not just halfway between the roof and base of the camper. What projects are you working on yourself?
I have a 1997 FWC Scout. Been debating selling it or fixing it up. It's still in OK shape but the riser gave out long ago. I was ready to give up but after seeing your video I'm going to try this DYI project. I Do get that the bottom bracket is a bit offset. The problem is getting that lined up so that when the top comes down it sits where it is suppose to. Thanks for the video!
Glad I’ve inspired you!! Fix it up. You won’t regret it. Sounds like you understand the lifting mechanism well. I’ve got
No tricks for lining up the pieces in the bottom. It’s honestly not perfect on mine but close enough. I have to pull at it times in the down position to tweak it in place. Feel free to ask more questions. Good luck.
So this isn't a lifting system? Just to hold the top once you lift with that piece of wood? To me a "lifting system" would do the job of lifting the top into place! What you have is a folding brace!
With that definition I guess I am the lifting mechanism :)
Great Scott
Did you do your own canvas?
Yes I did. There is a whole three part series about it. Click around my channel to find the series. Also check Out tgmorrissey.com/camper to Learn more. Thanks for checking out my videos.
Yes I did. There is a whole three part series about it. Click around my channel to find the series. Also check Out tgmorrissey.com/camper to Learn more. Thanks for checking out my videos.
I finally did it thanks to you! The height on my Tiger Provan was already 6’2” but the bed area was pretty cramped (maybe 24”), not enough room to sit up. I redid the rlift like yours and now i have 7’ standing room and about 34” on the bed so i can sit up. Thanks for the great idea! Here’s a pic if u want to check it out
drive.google.com/file/d/1IxdJ0Ev43DpFychGfLsx0KlYfFFc7AV5/view?usp=drivesdk
So awesome! Rad fire on the camper.
Glad the video encouraged you to get after it. You gonna do new canvas now too? I’ve got videos on that too.
Any hiccups or tips or tricks you want to share that you learned along the way?
@@tgmorrissey Yes the next step is the canvas but I am definitely not making it myself, I saw your videos and it's too much work for the amount of free time I have lol. As far as tips and things that I learned, using a step drill bit works A LOT better than a regular drill bit for drilling the holes into the conduit. Using gas struts (i'm using Suspa brand) really makes the lifting of the top a breeze, don't have to worry about holding the top with one hand trying to insert the locking pins and it adds a lot of stability front to back. Hiccups? Quite a few but mainly because I'd never use a pipe bender before lol
Carlos Guzman love it. Thanks for sharing and excellent job. Got a source link for the studs that worked out well?
@@tgmorrissey I got these off ebay www.ebay.com/itm/SUSPA-C16-15952-Gas-Springs-Set-of-2/352356290569 though you might need longer ones if your total pop-top gain is more than 30" dues to the minimum and maximum extension lengths (or a clever way of mounting them). If I recall, you mentioned that yours goes up 33", I originally made mine go up 32" but had to drop it down to 30" due to the maximum extension of the struts.
Thanks for sharing for the benefit of myself and all the other viewers. Best of luck with the rest of the build and be sure to reach out again with any further questions.
Material Scientist - kinda drop it in there nicely.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering - still actually just a materials scientist
@Orching you never know what classes you’ll end up using in the end. I raged against MatLab in under grad and end up using it nearly ever day in grad school and absolutely loved it. You’ll find a use for the mat science class some day :)
guess i missed how it works, like what to do to lift the top///////
I show it very well in other videos. Here is one. 11:10 mark. ruclips.net/video/pwZfnEYB5ug/видео.html
You redoing a camper yourself?
well done, sir. :)
(budget bov facebook)
Thank you!
EMT is cool. EDM not so much. :-)
HAHA, I approve of that comment! Excellent observation. Don't worry I got a subscription to a music license site so the newer videos are a step in the right direction. Though I do still have the musical taste of a 20 year old frat bro ;)
Your Cotter pin is actually a Clevis pin.
I’ve never heard of a Clevis pin. Do you know what the difference between a clevis and a cotter?
@@tgmorrissey There are 2 fasteners called a cotter pin, one is one piece, bent in a "u" with one leg straight and the other is a flattened "w" that holds itself in place (spring action). The Clevis is a straight pin (rod) with a swivel that holds a semicirculer (wire usually) piece that swings around and secures the pin from the outside. I didn't look but I'm sure Amazon, Tractor Supply or any tool seller website will have a picture. They're pretty much interchangeable but the Clevis is probably more secure, the cotter is easy to insert one-handed.
The other fastener called a cotter pin is also one piece, bet into a flat "u" that is inserted through the hole and the legs are bent to hold it in place, sort of semi-permanent. It's also called a split pin.
(I clearly spent too much time with farmers, welders and tool guys growing up!)
A buddy here at my shop just reminded me that some people call the Clevis a "safety catch" or trailer hitch pin and you can hold a Clevis in place with a cotter. 🤔 (now I know I still spend too much time with tool guys, or possibly guys that are tools)
Thanks for the education!
EMT is not aluminum, it's electro galvanized steel.
thanks for info.
Used folding chairs
Huh?
Interested in the fabric/canvas/tent material? Go check out my three-part video series about the sewing project here: ruclips.net/video/h7Uk65unuc0/видео.html
Came to the comments to ask about this!
Glad it’s helpful
Hey Tim. Just wanted to thank you for the inspiration and your contribute to your FCW rebuild. I will post on wonder the west as well.. Check camper build on TW www.tacomaworld.com/threads/four-wheel-camper-rebuild.564702/#post-18537204
Johnny! Your build looks awesome! Looks like you executed perfectly! The sewing looks really clean and well done! Excellent job. So glad I inspired you to go after the project. Hope to see some photos of you out in it! Let me know if you have any other questions at all.
Would have been nice to see actually using it....
Thanks for the feedback. Using camper or the lifter?
Here is one example of lifting at 11:10 in this video ruclips.net/video/pwZfnEYB5ug/видео.html
And a few more examples ruclips.net/video/5P0fQEFRmbU/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/YumX0jrEBQg/видео.html
@@tgmorrissey Using the lifter from inside is what I meant. Thanks for the links.
@@atomicsmith Excellent. glad it helps. Thanks for checking out my videos. Hope I can count you as a subscriber!
You never showed the actual function
Here you go. DIY Four Wheel Camper Build: How to make a roof lifting mechanism, Part 2: How the pop up works!
ruclips.net/video/3AQa4hHB-zU/видео.html
Was about to comment this, will checkout the 2nd vid. Trying to turn my hard cover tonneau cover into a pop in my truck bed.. looking for ways to conceal and then pop (obviously). So this is cool to see someone doing something
It's interesting, but I had to quit watching halfway through as you shot this video in the shade and in very poor lighting I could not see very much at all.
Hey totally understand. Thanks for sharing. Some of my newer stuff is a bit better production. On of which covers the same topic.
Talk.
got a mic after this video. check some of my newer stuff and let me know what you think.